For those who skated in the late ‘90s and early 2000s, Shorty’s Skateboards is a name that brings back memories of the golden era of street skating. Known for its legendary team, high-quality hardware, and iconic graphics, Shorty’s made an undeniable impact on skate culture. After years of relative dormancy, the brand is making a comeback, reigniting excitement among both old-school skaters and a new generation.
Shorty’s was founded by Tony Buyalos in the early ‘90s, initially as a company producing high-performance skateboard hardware, including the now-famous Shorty’s Silverados bolts and Doh-Doh bushings. However, it wasn’t long before the brand expanded into deck production and apparel, creating one of the most celebrated teams in skate history.
At its peak, Shorty’s had an all-star roster featuring Chad Muska, Steve Olson, Peter Smolik, Brandon Turner, Aaron Snyder, and Toan Nguyen. The release of Fulfill the Dream in 1998 cemented Shorty’s as a dominant force in skateboarding, influencing countless skaters with its tech street skating, stylish tricks, style in general, and Muska’s unforgettable presence. But even the brightest stars fade away.
As skateboarding trends shifted and team changes occurred, Shorty’s slowly faded from the mainstream. By the late 2000s, the brand had significantly reduced its presence, leaving fans wondering if they’d ever see its return.
Fast forward to today, and Shorty’s is back in action. With a renewed focus on high-quality hardware and nostalgia-infused reissues, the brand is reclaiming its spot in the skateboarding culture. The resurgence of ‘90s skate culture has only fueled the excitement, with new and veteran skaters embracing the return of a brand that once defined a generation.
Shorty’s comeback is a testament to skateboarding’s cyclical nature, where legends never hang up their boards, they just wait for the perfect moment to drop in again. Whether you’re revisiting the past or discovering it for the first time, head down to Orbit Skate and Boutique, grab a Shorty’s deck and fulfill the dream once more!
